Global security today faces unprecedented challenges not seen since the Cold War. The convergence of great power competition, shifting patterns of extremism, and the proliferation of disruptive technologies risk creating a ‘polycrisis’ with potentially dire consequences for humanity. As conflicts intensify worldwide, the rules-based international order is under increasing strain, endangering peace and security. Absent coordinated global action, the stability and progress achieved over recent decades may be irrevocably eroded.
In this context, the Calleva-Airey Neave Global Security Seminar Series aims to deepen understanding of the underlying drivers of conflict and security, facilitating critical analysis and dialogue on the complex dynamics shaping contemporary global instability. The series will convene leading academics and policymakers to explore a wide array of security challenges, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cyber operations, hybrid threats, regional safe havens, and counter-terrorism.
Event series
The series of events will consist of public conversations with distinguished academics and policymakers from around the world.
All the events listed below will take place at the Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford University from 5:00-6:30pm, unless otherwise stated.
Please check back for updates as speakers will be added regularly.
Upcoming events
22 October 2025 - The war in Gaza and the unmaking of the Middle East
Andrew Miller, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Israeli-Palestinian Affairs in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs under Biden
5 November 2025 - Transatlantic security in an age of uncertainty
Rachel Ellehuus, RUSI-Director General
20 November 2025 - Prevent and counter-extremism in the UK
Lord David Anderson, the UK's Independent Prevent Commissioner and former Terror Watchdog
25 November 2025 - Democracy under siege
Professor A. C. Grayling, one of the UK’s leading public philosophers and author of For the People: Fighting Authoritarianism, Saving Democracy and Dr Leor Zmigrod, a political neuroscientist and author of The Ideological Brain
Past events
28
Apr
28 April 2025, 17:00 - 18:30
The evolution of global security threats since the Cold War
This address by Lord Hague of Richmond, Chancellor of the University of Oxford, will inaugurate the Calleva-Airey Neave Global Security Seminar Series. Drawing on his extensive experience in international relations and security, Lord Hague will navigate the intricate terrain of contemporary global security challenges.
01
May
01 May 2025, 17:00 - 18:30
The future of terrorism detection and analysis
Join Katherine Keneally, Director of Threat Analysis and Prevention at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), for a seminar on the future of terrorism detection and analysis as part of the Calleva-Airey Neave Global Security Seminar Series.
12
May
12 May 2025, 17:00 - 18:30
Peace diplomacy and the Russo-Ukraine war
Join Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies, King's College London, for a seminar on peace diplomacy and the Russo-Ukraine War as part of the Calleva-Airey Neave Global Security Seminar Series.
16
Jun
16 June 2025, 17:00 - 18:30
The evolution of global security
Join us in conversation with Professor David Kilcullen FRGS, former soldier and diplomat, as part of the as part of the Calleva-Airey Neave Global Security Seminar Series.
People
Seminar series organisers
Funding
Funded by the Calleva Centre for Evolution and Human Science and the Airey Neave Trust.
It is hosted in partnership with the Blavatnik School of Government.